It’s only human to want to look your best. Over time, aging, sun exposure, and lifestyle factors like smoking can cause skin to lose elasticity and develop deep lines or sagging. Fortunately, with a facelift performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon, you can restore a more youthful and refreshed appearance that still looks natural.
Patients at Atlanta Plastic & Reconstructive Specialists are cared for by a team of board-certified surgeons—Dr. Bahair Ghazi, Dr. John D. Symbas, and Dr. Kendall Brooks—whose advanced training at Emory University and the University of Virginia informs their refined, meticulous approach to cosmetic surgery. Drawing on decades of collective experience, they create results that elevate natural structure rather than mask it. From redefining the jawline to softening deep creases, every facial procedure is crafted with thoughtful technique, artistic intuition, and a commitment to outcomes that look effortless and authentically you.
Ideal Candidate for Facial Fat Transfers
A good candidate is:
- A non-smoker.
- Men and women typically over age 40.
- Not in the active stages of acne.
- Generally in good health.
- Not pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Not taking blood thinners (i.e., ibuprofen, aspirin, Plavix, or Coumadin).
Procedure & Techniques
Structural Fat Grafting is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia or IV Sedation. This procedure takes between 1 to 2 hours, depending on the amount of fat grafting needed for the area. During this procedure, fat is gently removed from the donor site (usually the inner thigh, buttocks, abdomen, or the saddle bags) with a small hypodermic needle and a special cannula, using limited suction to avoid damaging the fat cell membrane. The fat is then spun in a centrifuge to remove excess fluid, and the damaged fat cells are removed; only whole, undamaged fat cells are used. The fat is then injected using a separate, smaller hypodermic needle, either just under the wrinkle or deep within the muscle in areas with higher vascularity, increasing the longevity of the fat graft.
Recovery
Following the procedure, you can expect to be swollen, a bit bruised, and a little sore both at the treatment site and the donor site. You shouldn’t wear make-up until at least 1-2 days after. You should keep the treatment area as still as possible for the first few days to allow proper healing and give the area and newly transplanted fat cells a good chance to become vascularized. Avoid high-impact exercise or activities for the first 2 weeks, depending upon the extent of the surgery.
VIDEO: ABOUT FAT TRANSFER
Benefits of Structural Fat Grafting
Fat grafting offers a natural and versatile way to restore volume, enhance contours, and improve facial harmony using a patient’s own tissue. This approach provides several meaningful advantages:
- Restores soft, natural-looking fullness to areas that have experienced age-related volume loss.
- Improves overall skin quality as transferred fat contains regenerative cells that can support healthier, more radiant skin.
- Enhances facial or body contours by reshaping targeted areas with subtle, refined definition.
- Reduces the risk of allergic reactions or rejection since no synthetic materials are used.
- Allows for body contour improvement by using fat gently harvested from areas such as the thighs, abdomen, or flanks.
Many patients value the dual benefit of adding youthful volume to desired areas while also refining the donor site through conservative fat removal. This combination supports balanced, long-lasting rejuvenation throughout multiple regions of the face or body.
Risks and Considerations
While structural fat grafting is a safe and effective procedure, patients should be aware of potential risks. These may include temporary swelling or bruising, uneven fat retention, or the need for touch-up procedures if some grafted fat does not survive. A thorough consultation allows the surgical team to explain expected outcomes and create a treatment plan tailored to the patient’s needs.
Longevity of Results
Results from structural fat grafting improve gradually as the transferred fat establishes a blood supply and integrates with surrounding tissues. A portion of the fat typically survives long-term, offering lasting volume restoration. Maintaining a stable weight and following all postoperative care instructions can further support long-lasting, natural-looking results.
Why Choose Atlanta Plastic & Reconstructive Specialists
Selecting a team for structural fat grafting means choosing surgeons who understand the balance between artistry and anatomical precision. Atlanta Plastic & Reconstructive Specialists offers a level of expertise and patient support that elevates the entire experience.
This thoughtful combination of surgical skill, advanced techniques, and personalized care helps patients achieve subtle, youthful improvements that enhance their natural appearance.
Schedule a Consultation in Alpharetta or Buckhead
Ready to restore youthful volume and natural contour?
Contact Atlanta Plastic & Reconstructive Specialists to schedule your consultation at our Alpharetta office (404) 255-2975 or Buckhead office (404) 343-0897 today.